The UK’s high streets have reached a tipping point – and Reform will reap the benefits When even Poundland and charity shops are closing, we’re near a point of no return. But there is hope, says Guardian columnist John Harris
Sainsbury’s blames ‘significant headwinds’ for drop in Argos sales at Christmas Online competition and weak consumer confidence behind fall, although sales at group’s supermarkets rose
What is Modella Capital? Firm in spotlight as Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop face collapse Investment firm that also bought WH Smith’s high street business has reputation for rapid and hard-nosed restructuring
The Primark machine suffers a continental splutter at a bad moment Big fall in sales in rest of Europe means split from owner’s food businesses would be distraction best avoided for year or two
Tesco aiming for bumper 2026 after best Christmas market share in decade Chain reports strong sales but shares drop 5% after analysts say third quarter performance was behind expectations
Greggs puts up price of sausage roll by 5p to £1.35 amid rising costs Bakery chain also adds 10p to a latte, bringing it to £2.25, as CEO warns of ‘a tough, challenging market’
M&S Christmas food sales soar but clothing suffers from cyber-attack fallout Poor festive fashion sales deepen fears of squeeze on UK household budgets and falling high street footfall
Next expects profits to top £1.1bn after bumper festive sales Retailer warns that growth this year will be slower amid continuing pressures on UK employment
Aldi and Lidl grab record Christmas sales share as Asda and Co-op slide Shoppers hit by rising bills switch to discount chains, supermarket own-label products and buying fewer items
Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop near collapse, putting 2,550 jobs at risk Owner Modella starts insolvency proceedings for both chains, saying trading is ‘extremely challenging’
Aldi reports record Christmas sales after shoppers moved to cut festive grocery bills UK’s fourth-largest supermarket’s sales rose 3% with 5.5m bottles of fizz and 500,000 turkeys sold
‘This is business as usual’: boss of bombed Ukrainian vodka maker seeks to expand exports Nemiroff says products still reaching UK chains such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco despite production difficulties
Feeling the bite: is Greggs on a roll or is its expansion overbaked? UK pastry chain has plans for two new factories and 800 more branches, despite sales falling in 2025 and analysts questioning brand’s direction
Waitrose urges customers not to drink Deeside water over shards of glass risk Food Standards Agency issues product alert for still and sparkling 750ml bottles of Waitrose No 1 Deeside mineral water
Is ‘coasting’ the perfect way to enjoy an alcoholic drink this New Year’s Eve? Retailers say appetite for alcoholic drinks that are about half the strength of the traditional versions is soaring